Before we get down to business, I want to make one thing clear: 

LUBE IS FOR EVERYONE.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with using lubricants.  There is nothing wrong with you or your body. 

The vagina, during stimulation and arousal, will sometimes produce its own lubrication. However, there are many things that impact that natural production of vaginal lubricant. When this occurs, lubricants can be a wonderful tool to enhance both partnered and solo sexual activities. Lubricants are also very important for anal play. 

Imagine you’re in your backyard in the summertime.  The sprinkler is going and you are preparing to lunge down the Slip and Slide.  As your body hits the slide, you move down it slowly, stopping before the end with a bit of slide burn on your stomach.   Now imagine, you have added a little dish soap to the mix.  As you rush down the slide you are moving so fast, you are launched into the neighbor’s yard!  Less friction, more fun.  That's what lubricants can do for you! I would advise against launching yourself into the neighbor’s yard, they might not find it as enjoyable. 

 With so many options to choose from, choosing the right lubricant for you can be difficult.   Types of lubricants are broken down into 3 different categories:

1. WATER BASED- All purpose lubricant, can be used with all condoms and all types of  toys.  Easy clean, however can dry out quickly and require frequent application. Can be reactivated with a couple drops of water.  

2. SILICONE BASED-More slippery than water based lubricants, lasts longer. This type is slightly more expensive, but less is needed with each encounter so it lasts longer. It can also harder to clean as it does not break down easily in water.  Should not be used with silicone toys, is safe for condoms. 

3. OIL BASED- Oils can breakdown latex and polyisoprene condoms.  It can also leave a coating in the vaginal or rectum that traps bacteria and may lead to infections. Works best in water and is a good natural alternative for individuals who are sensitive to the ingredients in water and silicone based lubricants. May also be easier to come by for some since many have oils such as coconut oil in their homes already. Some oil based lubes are nut oil based, it's important to check ingredients if you have an allergy or sensitivity.  

Many lubricants also include ingredients that may cause irritation.  Some ingredients to look out for include: 

• Chlorhexidine- Bactericidal preservative. Found to significantly reduce Lactobacilli, the protective batercial in women’s vaginas.  

• Nonoxynol-9- Spermicide that has been found to increase transmission of HIV and a known irritant 

• Glycerin- A sugar alcohol used as a preservative found in many lubricants, may be related to cell toxicity. Also potentially linked to yeast infections.

• Propylene glycol- Slightly sweet tasting preservative found in many lubricants, may be related to cell toxicity.  

• Parabens- A weak estrogen, no studies have shown strong link with cancer, but may be concerning to some women.  May cause irritation.  

• Petroleum- Breaks down latex condoms. May be linked to bacterial infections.  

• EDTA- Preservative found to disrupt tissue membrane.  

• Menthol- Alcohol used to create “tingling sensation” 

• Capsaicin- Oil of hot peppers, used to “increase arousal” 

• L-Arginine- Could induce Herpes outbreak

• Herbal extracts- Can be an irritant to some women 

• Almond oil- nut allergy warning

There is a difference between vaginal lubricants and moisturizers.   Vaginal moisturisers are used to provide long-lasting relief and comfort for women experiencing daily vaginal dryness.  Dryness can be caused by vaginal atrophy, a thinning and inflammation of the vaginal walls.  This can be caused by hormone fluctuations as a result of the natural aging process, menopause, cancer, and pregnancy/childbirth, and breastfeeding.  Lubricants are used for shorter periods of time to enhance sexual experiences.  Synthetic lubes such as Uberlube, are also great for other types of chafing, like thigh rub. So it can also enhance your summer walking/running experience too!  

Now that you are empowered with all of this new lube knowledge, go grease up your slip and slide!

Written by: Nicholette Driggs, Bettie Extraordinaire

Nicholette is a Family Life Educator with a background in early childhood and family studies from WMU, Nicholette’s driven by empowering women and body positivity.  Her personal journey began with Mod B in 2015 when she answered a model call and was thrust directly into the path of becoming a pin-up model.  She has been published internationally, placed in numerous pin-up contests and currently models for various clothing companies and fashion shows.  Nicholette is also a performer, slingin’ glitter and singing pretty! She is also an educator and public speaker.

Her love for modern pin-up and vintage style is for its ability to embrace women of all ages, sizes, abilities, ethnicities and styles. Nicholette wants to help encourage all women to love and embrace themselves, exactly as they are. 

Email her at events@modbettie.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/anticsofafatshionista